Sources: MLB proposes international draft as part of CBA talks

Key Points:

• Major League Baseball (MLB) has proposed an international draft for players aged 18 and older, featuring 12 rounds and a $200 million signing bonus pool for 360 amateur players outside the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, aiming to bring structure to a corrupt system.
• The draft would reduce the number of drafted players compared to previous proposals but maintain a similar total bonus pool, while undrafted players could only sign for a maximum of $10,000 plus a $30,000 minor league bonus.
• MLB hopes the draft will curb illegal pre-signing agreements with underage players, reduce steroid use and document falsification, and encourage players to stay in school longer by targeting older prospects.
• The MLB Players Association opposes the draft, viewing it as a cost-control measure by owners and argues that MLB should focus on punishing teams involved in illegal deals and improving enforcement rather than imposing a draft.
• MLB's proposal includes expanding amateur scouting and development programs, introducing an international scouting and medical combine, and working with the Dominican government to regulate trainers and ban performance-enhancing drug providers.